Korea clears exporting map data for Google, ends 19-year dispute
Approval mandates removal of coordinates and domestic processing, easing US tariff tension
· Moon Joon-hyun
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Newest first · UTC+11:00(News Focus) Seoul's opening of high-precision map data to Google seen linked to U.S. non-tariff concerns
SEOUL, Feb. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's decision to allow global tech giant Google to transfer government-supplied domestic high-precision map data overseas seems to be tied to Seoul's efforts to address U.S. concerns over non-tariff barriers, industry observers said Friday.
· Chang Dong-woo
South Korea allows Google to export map data after years of frustration
A woman walks by a giant screen with a logo at an event at the Paris Google Lab on the sidelines of the AI Action Summit in Paris, on Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus,File)
· https://apnews.com/author/kim-tong-hyung
Kakao Entertainment taps ex-Kakao Bank AI chief as co-CEO
Kakao Entertainment has nominated Ko Jung-hee, former head of the artificial intelligence group at Kakao Bank, as its new co-CEO, forming a leadership duo with current co-CEO Joseph Chang.
· Hong Yoo
Fashion’s greatest challenges ‘inequality and AI’, say Prada designers
Speaking at Milan fashion week, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons presented a more concentrated, but relatable, show
· https://www.theguardian.com/profile/jesscartnermorley
FACT CHECK: Duterte not set to be released in February 2026, ICC case ongoing
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
· Leah Sagaad
(2nd LD) S. Korea conditionally approves Google's overseas transfer of high-precision map data
(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 4-8, 15-16, new photo)
· Kim Boram
(LEAD) Gov't to expand public procurement of domestic AI products to support growth
(ATTN: ADDS finance minister's remarks in last 2 paras; CHANGES photo)By Kim Han-joo
· Kim Han-joo
Germany’s Merz meets China’s tech vanguard, including Alibaba and Unitree CEOsHangzhou visit reflects Germany’s attempt to work further with the engines of China’s digital and robotics economy.
Hangzhou visit reflects Germany’s attempt to work further with the engines of China’s digital and robotics economy
· Ann Cao
Here's how Army plans to deploy AI, drones to breach enemy minefields YANGPYEONG, Gyeonggi Province — Once reconnaissance drones transmitted live footage of suspected enemy positions — identifying troops and possible landmines ahead — a column of armored vehicles began
I’m a staff reporter for The Korea Herald, covering national security and foreign policy across the Defense, Foreign and Unification Ministries, as well as the National Assembly. Before entering journalism, I served as an Air Force lieutenant, working as an interpreter and junior planner at the South Korea–US Combin…
· Hwang Joo-young
Gabon in talks with Meta and TikTok over social media ban
Gabon is in talks with Meta and TikTok over the country’s social media ban, the communication ministry said on Thursday.
· AfricaNews
Korean mobile carriers ramp up AI push at MWC 2026
South Korea's three major mobile carriers are preparing to spotlight artificial intelligence-driven networks and services at this year's Mobile World Congress, as the industry's largest annual gathering opens next week in Barcelona.
· Jo He-rim
Hyundai Motor to invest W9tr in Saemangeum AI, hydrogen hub
Auto giant to build AI data center, robotics cluster, hydrogen city from 2026
· Ahn Sung-mi
Fintech company Block lays off more than 4,000 people, citing AI
File- This photo taken Nov. 19, 2015, shows Square CEO Jack Dorsey being interviewed on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)
(LEAD) S. Korea conditionally approves Google's overseas transfer of high-precision map data
(ATTN: ADDS more info from 2nd para, new photo)
· Kim Boram
Hundreds of Australians potentially impacted after tech giant axes 4000 jobs
Property News: Australia's most popular suburbs in every capital city.
· Patrick Brischetto
Australian supermarket giant reins in AI assistant claiming to be human
SYDNEY — Australian supermarket giant Woolworths has been forced to rein in an AI-powered customer service assistant after users reported it had been rambling about its mother.
· Agence France-Presse
Transcript: AI turns to a new type of lending
Marc Filippino speaks to Michelle Chan, George Steer and Victoria Craig
S. Korea conditionally approves Google's overseas transfer of high-precision map data
SEOUL, Feb. 27 (Yonhap) -- The government on Friday decided to allow global tech giant Google to transfer government-supplied high-precision map data of South Korea to its overseas facilities, contingent on supplementary measures to address security concerns.
· Kim Boram
(URGENT) S. Korea conditionally approves Google's overseas transfer of high-precision map data
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· Kim Boram
Mid-Atlantic Sportswatch Daily Listings
Lehigh at George Mason — ESPN Select, ESPN Unlimited, Fubo Sports
· https://apnews.com/author/the-associated-press
How should journalists govern use of AI in their products?
The OpenAI logo is displayed on a cellphone with an image on a computer monitor generated by ChatGPT’s Dall-E text-to-image model, Dec. 8, 2023, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)
· https://apnews.com/author/david-bauder
AI turns to a new type of lending
PublishedFebruary 27 2026
National Lee to visit Singapore, Philippines to deepen AI, nuclear and other future-sector ties President Lee Jae Myung is set to visit Singapore and the Philippines to expand Seoul’s bilateral ties with the two countries into key future growth sectors, including artificial intelligence and nucl
For over a decade, I’ve navigated the complexities of North Korean affairs, security, and foreign policy from both Seoul and Washington, D.C. As the National Desk Political Team Lead, I track the pulse of geopolitics, closely following developments from the Unification Ministry and the Foreign Ministry. My mornings …
· Ji Da-gyum
Potter scores 25, Utah Tech beats Abilene Christian 85-81
SAINT GEORGE, Utah (AP) — Ethan Potter had 25 points in Utah Tech’s 85-81 victory against Abilene Christian on Thursday.
Niang's 12 lead UT Martin past Tennessee Tech 64-49
MARTIN, Tenn. (AP) — Lamine Niang’s 12 points helped UT Martin defeat Tennessee Tech 64-49 on Thursday.
· https://apnews.com/author/the-associated-press
OpenAI dice que autora de tiroteo masivo en Canadá abrió otra cuenta de ChatGPT para eludir veto
Cinta policial rodea una escuela en Tumbler Ridge, Columbia Británica, Canadá, el 12 de febrero de 2026, dos días después de un tiroteo masivo. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press vía AP, archivo)
Anthropic cannot accede to Pentagon’s request in AI safeguards dispute, CEO says
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· Victor Barreiro Jr.
AI mockery of independence activist fuels public anger
Questions remain about how AI-generated mockery of historical figures should be regulated
· Lee Seung-ku
Lee vows bold support for Hyundai Motor's investment in Saemangeum reclaimed land
SEOUL, Feb. 27 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung said Friday the government will provide bold support for Hyundai Motor Group's plan to invest in the Saemangeum reclaimed land in areas of artificial intelligence (AI), hydrogen and robotics.
· Kim Eun-jung
Dudley, Allen lead Louisiana Tech over Missouri State, 72-70
RUSTON, La. (AP) — DJ Dudley led Louisiana Tech with 27 points and Will Allen made a go-ahead layup while being fouled with eight seconds left as the Bulldogs defeated Missouri State 72-70 on Thursday night.
· https://apnews.com/author/the-associated-press
Hyundai Motor to invest 9 tln won in southwestern Saemangeum for AI, hydrogen mobility
SEOUL, Feb. 27 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Motor Group said Friday will invest 9 trillion won (US$6.26 billion) to build an artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and hydrogen-focused innovation hub on reclaimed land in North Jeolla Province.
· Chang Dong-woo
Gov't to expand public procurement of domestic AI products to support growth
SEOUL, Feb. 27 (Yonhap) -- The government will expand public procurement programs for innovative artificial intelligence (AI) products from local companies to support the growth of the sector, Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said Friday.
· Kim Han-joo
Hong Kong stocks head for worst month since October on AI disruption angstConcerns over AI’s disruptive impact on traditional industries continue to unsettle investors.
Concerns over AI’s disruptive impact on traditional industries continue to unsettle investors
· Zhang Shidong
OpenAI says Canada mass shooter evaded ban
Police tape surrounds a school in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, Canada, Feb. 12, 2026, two days after a mass shooting. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP, File)
Anthropic boss rejects Pentagon demand to drop AI safeguards
Anthropic has said it will not back down in a fight with the US Department of Defense (DoD) over how its artificial intelligence (AI) technology is used.
· Kali Hays
No. 10 Louisville stays in ACC race with 69-50 win at Georgia Tech
ATLANTA (AP) — Elif Istanbulluoglu scored 18 points, Imari Berry added 13 and No. 10 Louisville coasted past Georgia Tech 69-50 in its final road game of the regular season on Thursday night.
· https://apnews.com/author/alan-cole
South Asia
India AI summit aims to shift focus from model races to scaled realityThe event offers emerging economies a chance to reframe AI as public infrastructure and work together to put it into public services.
Which Hong Kong government departments get budget boosts while others face cuts?New funding channelled into innovation, AI and intellectual property despite overall spending cuts and a drive to trim the civil service.
New funding channelled into innovation, AI and intellectual property despite overall spending cuts and a drive to trim the civil service
· Matthew Cheng
Instagram investigating AI profiles 'fetishising' disabled people
Instagram's parent company, Meta, is investigating AI-generated social media accounts that sexualise disabled people appearing on its platform.
· Jacob Evans
Jack Dorsey's Block cuts thousands of jobs as it embraces AI
Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey says his technology firm Block is laying off almost half its workforce because artificial intelligence (AI) "fundamentally changes what it means to build and run a company."
· Lucy Hooker
Afterpay’s owner Block to slash nearly half its workforce, citing AI
Jack Dorsey’s payments giant Block will slash more than 4000 jobs – nearly half its global workforce – in what the company described as a deliberate pivot to becoming an “intelligence-native” business, sending shares surging more than 22 per cent in after-hours trading.
· David Swan
A Don Quixote dream: A strong Philippine manufacturing sector
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
· gdecastro0289
From hanok horizons to robot encounter: unique ways of greeting spring
With spring stepping into the city, this weekend calls for plans that feel both fresh and a little unexpected. For those craving calm, a serene cafe at the entrance of Eunpyeong Hanok Village offers coffee with panoramic views of hanok rooftops and Bukhansan in the distance. If you’re in the mood for something more …
· Hwang Dong-hee, Lee Jung-joo
Highlights: Day 3 of Duterte’s pre-trial
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
· Lian Buan
COA upholds ruling vs Albay governor, wife on ‘irregular’ cash aid
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
· rbalonzo0352
COA upholds ruling vs ex-Legazpi mayors Noel and Geraldine Rosal on irregular cash aid
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
· rbalonzo0352
'I stopped engaging' due to Instagram, YouTube, woman tells landmark trial
A young woman, who is suing Meta and Google over what she claims is the addictive nature of social media, has told a jury her childhood years were taken over by her use of Instagram and Youtube.
· Kali Hays
New 'Drive to Survive' to be available on Apple TV and Netflix
McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain walks back to his garage during a Formula One pre-season test at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
Dorsey's Block Fires Nearly Half Of The Company In 'Massive' AI Bet, Sending Shares Soaring
One week after WIRED reported that things were pretty dismal over at Jack Dorsey's payment processing company Block (formerly Square), the company announced that they are cutting 4,000 employees - nearly half of their headcount - in order to invest 'heavily' in artificial intelligence tools to run more efficiently, …
· Tyler Durden